BEFORE THE DREAM FADED...

"Before the Dream Faded pairs him with a variety of different collaborators, ranging from the delicate electric piano and violin backing of "When Hearts Turn Blue" to the jagged electric guitar textures of "Obliteration Overload" and the straightforward rock of "Rabbit Blood." While the overall tone is low-key, Johnson does manage to generate a solid and soulful groove on "The Leaves of Tea," and "I Am Without" conjures up a moody resonance; this is a decided step away from the minimalism."